PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Beryl Keen, one of our members, gave us a fascinating insight into the different styles of Quilting at our February meeting. She said Patchwork was like painting with material. Considerable changes had taken place since medieval times and there are so many aids to help - battery operated cutting wheels instead of scissors, rulers, cutting boards, specialist sewing machines and many other items. She said there are no rules, you go by your feelings - personally she finds the whole spectrum of greens and browns very restful. She combines hand and machine sewing on her pieces.

There are quite a few books which can give you ideas for patterns. Her first attempt took several years - patience is the key! Having a small room or area where you can leave your work undisturbed is a great bonus. Joining a Quilters Group is a good start - there is a Group that meet in the Library in our Community Centre. Beryl said she had attended some good Workshops at Wroxham Barns.

Beryl brought along many samples of her exquisite work from a double quilt to wall hangings and place mats (I think about 15 examples in total). The double bed quilt had 25 squares in it - everyone different. One of my favourites was a wall hanging entitled "Through the Iron Gate". It comprised of 2" squares of different coloured materials depicting flowers in a garden and on top the garden gate was embroidered.

Her work in progress at the moment is a runner to go on a piece of furniture. We were all lost in admiration for her skills. If ever you are in London, there are examples of medieval quilting in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Sometimes exhibitions are advertised in Norfolk - go if you have the chance!

Our Jumble Sale was a great success and many thanks go to everyone who helped or contributed.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 11 April at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Margaret Flatman will be talking about the Life of a Potter - another interesting speaker to look forward to.

Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155 .

Shirley Shackshaft

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Mr Nick Williams came and gave us a fascinating talk about the History of being a Sheriff of Norwich.

In 1404 King Henry IV granted a charter to appoint one Mayor and two Sheriffs and Aldermen to run the affairs of the City in order to keep order, hence the role of the ceremonial sword and mace - there is only one Mayor and Sheriff now and they serve for one year. Mr Williams had worked and been a Norwich City Councillor for some years and when he was invited to be a Sheriff, at a Special Meeting of Norwich City Council, he was delighted to accept for the year May 2007/8. He and his wife Gill thoroughly enjoyed their year but found it could be very tiring sometimes - 2 engagements were not unusual in a day. He brought along a photo album to show us his robes and memorable moments.

Special events for him during the year were the Mayor and Sheriff Ceremonies at the City Hall followed by the evening reception at Norwich Castle, going in the Ceremonial Coach to Norwich Cathedral for the Civic Service and the Lord Mayor's Procession.

However, the most moving event for him was in November 2007 coming down the steps of City Hall with HRH Duke of Gloucester to present to the Royal Anglian Regiment, who had returned from Afghanistan, the freedom to parade through the City. With thousands of spectators applauding, several hundred soldiers with fixed bayonets and flags flying and the Minden Band of the Queens Division, marched through the streets to the Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 14 March at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Brian MacFarlane will be coming again to show us a further selection of his Nature Photography - members were enthralled last time he came. Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155 .

Shirley Shackshaft

PORINGLAND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Christmas has passed all too soon. Hope you all kept warm and healthy.

Our December meeting was very enjoyable and our Lucky Dip Parcels proved very popular. We made over £50 profit and this will be sent to a local Charity, yet to be decided.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 8 February at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when one of our members, Beryl Keen, will demonstrate Painting with Materials ie Patchwork. I look forward to watching this.

Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155 .

JUMBLE SALE

Our next Jumble Sale is on Saturday 25 February at 2.00pm. This will be in the Communty Centre. As usual there will be books, tombola, bric-a-brac. clothing, household goods, raffle and tea/coffee and homemade cakes. Everyone very welcome - I am sure there will be many bargains there.

Shirley Shackshaft

Caistor Church Tree Festival

Caistor Church tree festival was well worth a visit, and our tree above looked splendid thanks to everyone who donated baubles.